INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Center

A precision rotating center component in lathe tailstocks for supporting long workpieces during machining operations.

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Component Specifications

Definition
The Center is a critical rotating component mounted in the tailstock of a lathe or similar machine tool, designed to provide axial support to long workpieces during turning, facing, or drilling operations. It consists of a precisely machined conical point that engages with a center hole in the workpiece, mounted on bearings to allow rotation with minimal friction. This component ensures workpiece stability, reduces deflection, and maintains alignment between the headstock and tailstock, enabling high-precision machining of cylindrical parts.
Working Principle
The Center operates on the principle of rotational support through a tapered bearing system. When the tailstock is advanced, the conical point engages with a pre-drilled center hole in the workpiece. As the workpiece rotates driven by the headstock, the center rotates synchronously on precision bearings (typically ball or roller bearings), providing support while minimizing friction and heat generation. This allows the workpiece to maintain concentricity and reduces vibration during high-speed machining operations.
Materials
High-carbon chromium steel (AISI 52100/SUJ2) or tungsten carbide for the conical point; hardened to 58-62 HRC; bearing components made from bearing-grade steel with corrosion-resistant coatings.
Technical Parameters
  • Taper MT2-MT6 (Morse Taper)
  • Lubrication Grease-packed or oil-bath systems
  • Maximum RPM 3000-6000 depending on bearing type
  • Point Angle 60° standard (75° for heavy-duty)
  • Bearing Type Precision angular contact ball bearings
  • Load Capacity 500-2000 kg axial load
  • Runout Tolerance ≤0.005 mm
Standards
ISO 2903, DIN 228, JIS B 6101

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Center.

lathe center tailstock center rotating center machine tool component workpiece support precision turning Morse taper center Center Center in Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Tailstock

A movable support component on a CNC lathe that provides axial support to long workpieces during machining operations.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Bearing failure due to contamination
  • Overheating from insufficient lubrication
  • Workpiece damage from improper center alignment
  • Taper seizure in tailstock spindle
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Contamination from metal chips or coolant entering bearing assembly
Failure: Increased friction, overheating, bearing seizure, and catastrophic failure
Mitigation: Install protective seals or bellows, implement regular cleaning protocols, use filtered lubrication systems
Trigger: Excessive axial load beyond rated capacity
Failure: Bearing deformation, point breakage, or taper damage
Mitigation: Implement load monitoring systems, train operators on proper workpiece support techniques, use centers with appropriate load ratings
Trigger: Improper installation or taper mismatch
Failure: Poor concentricity, vibration, and accelerated wear
Mitigation: Follow standardized installation procedures, verify taper compatibility before use, implement regular inspection schedules

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
Runout tolerance ≤0.005 mm per ISO 2903; taper accuracy within 0.0005 mm/mm
Test Method
Runout measured with dial indicator at center point; taper fit tested with blueing compound; load testing per ISO 10791-11

Buyer Feedback

★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5.0 (13 reviews)

"The Center we sourced perfectly fits our Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing production line requirements."

"Found 55+ suppliers for Center on CNFX, but this spec remains the most cost-effective."

"The technical documentation for this Center is very thorough, especially regarding technical reliability."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a live center and a dead center?

A live center (rotating center) contains bearings that allow it to rotate with the workpiece, reducing friction and heat. A dead center is stationary and requires lubrication between the center and workpiece, typically used for lower-speed applications.

How do I select the correct center taper size?

Select based on your lathe's tailstock taper specification (commonly MT2-MT6). Match the Morse taper number to your machine's tailstock spindle. Larger tapers provide greater rigidity for heavy-duty applications.

What maintenance does a rotating center require?

Regular cleaning to remove chips and debris, periodic lubrication according to manufacturer specifications (typically every 200-500 hours), and checking for bearing play or runout. Replace when runout exceeds 0.01 mm or bearings show signs of wear.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

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